Beaches near Cabuya: where to swim, snorkel and surf

Cabuya's own beach is rocky and best at high tide, when the water is calm, or at low tide for the walk to the island cemetery. For sand and swimming, head to Playa Los Cedros or Playa Las Manchas near Montezuma, and for surf, to Playa Grande or the beaches of Santa Teresa, where strong currents make swimming risky.

The coast around Cabuya isn't one long strip of sand. It's a run of rocky points, reef flats, river mouths and coves, and what a beach is like depends a lot on the tide. Here's what to expect at each one, from the village outward, with honest notes on swimming.

Playa Cabuya

The village beach faces east across the mouth of the Gulf of Nicoya, toward the island cemetery. It's pebbly, and at low tide a wide shelf of rock is exposed. That's when you can walk out to Isla Cabuya, about 100 m offshore. At high tide the water covers the rocks and the beach is calm enough for an easy swim.

At the north end, the Río Lajas meets the sea and forms a lagoon that's pleasant for a dip, and roseate spoonbills often feed there. The beach also picks up the odd wave at the river mouth. It's not a lounger-and-cocktail beach; it's a quiet place to watch the tide go out and the fishing boats come in.

Mango beach

A short walk from the village center, at the end of a side road, there's a rocky stretch locals call Mango beach. It isn't good for swimming, but it faces east, so sunrises and moonrises over the water are lovely. In the green season, a creek just to the south has spots for wading. Ask in the village for directions.

Playa Los Cedros

Just past the Río Lajas on the road toward Montezuma, Playa Los Cedros has more sand than Cabuya's own beach and is one of the area's surf spots. At low tide, tide pools open up among the rocks, and it's a good place to bring a picnic. Swim only when the sea is calm and stay clear of the surfers.

Playa Las Manchas

About 2 km south of Montezuma, Las Manchas is reached over rocky headlands at low tide. It has white sand and clear water, and it's one of the better spots on this coast for swimming and snorkeling on a calm day. Watch for rip currents toward the south end, and time your walk so the rising tide doesn't cut off your way back.

Playa Montezuma

The main beach runs north from Montezuma village. It's big and sandy, but the bottom drops steeply and the surf can be rough, so swim with care, and not at all when the waves are up. It's the place to sit with a coconut and watch the town go by. See our Montezuma day trip.

Playa Grande

About 3 km north of Montezuma, reached on foot along a coastal trail, Playa Grande is a long, wide beach and one of the best surf spots on this side of the peninsula. The forest behind it is the Romelia Wildlife Refuge, and visitors can use only a strip of shade at the back of the beach. Bring water and food, as there are no services.

Playa Cabo Blanco

The beach at the end of the Sendero Sueco, inside Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, is a half-moon of white sand and smooth white stones between cliffs, with turquoise water and the seabird island offshore. You can only reach it on foot, about 4.5 to 5 km each way, or by boat. The bottom drops off suddenly, so wading is safer than swimming. There's a basic rinse shower and nothing else, so carry plenty of water and take your trash back out.

Mal País

On the far side of the cape, Mal País is a quiet coast of dark volcanic rock with small pockets of sand. At low tide, Playa Cuevas is known for snorkeling in the rock pools. It's more about tide pools and sunsets than swimming. Don't leave belongings alone on the beach.

Playa Carmen

Where the road from Cóbano meets the coast, Playa Carmen is a wide beach break popular with surfers, and the commercial hub of the area. Swimming isn't recommended because of the heavy surf and currents.

Santa Teresa

North of Playa Carmen, Santa Teresa is a broad sandy beach with point and beach breaks that are more challenging than Carmen. Strong rip currents make swimming risky. Come for the surf and the sunsets.

Playa Hermosa

North of Santa Teresa, Playa Hermosa is wide and sandy without underwater rocks, with gentler waves. It's popular for surf lessons and the most comfortable of the west-coast beaches for a swim, though currents can be strong toward the north end.

For the west-coast beaches, see our Mal País and Santa Teresa day trip guide.

Staying safe in the water

Check the tide. Cabuya's beaches change completely between high and low tide. Our tides guide explains how to read a tide table.
Rip currents are common on the open Pacific beaches. If you're caught in one, swim parallel to the shore until you're out of it.
Lifeguards are rare on this coast. Don't assume anyone is watching.
Wear water shoes on rocky beaches and reef flats.
Don't sit under manzanillo trees. Their sap and fruit irritate skin. You'll find them along beaches inside the reserve and elsewhere.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim at Cabuya beach?

Yes, at high tide, when the water covers the rocks and is usually calm. At low tide it's a rocky shelf, which is the time for the island walk rather than swimming.

What's the best beach near Cabuya for swimming?

Playa Las Manchas near Montezuma is one of the best on a calm day, and Playa Hermosa is the gentlest on the Santa Teresa side. Watch for rip currents at both.

Which beaches near Cabuya are best for surfing?

Playa Los Cedros, Playa Grande north of Montezuma, and Playa Carmen, Santa Teresa and Playa Hermosa on the west coast. See our surf guide.

How do you get to Playa Cabo Blanco?

On foot along the Sendero Sueco inside Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, about 4.5 to 5 km each way, or by boat. The reserve is open Wednesday to Sunday.